Question

When a body falls freely towards the earth, then its total energy :

• A. increases
• B. decreases
• C. remains constant
• D. first increases and then decreases

Answer 1

The correct option is C

remains constant

Explanation for the correct answer:

1. According to the law of conservation of energy. energy can neither be created nor destroyed. The energy can only be transformed from one form to another.
2. As total energy is always conserved when a body falls freely towards the earth, its total energy remains the same.
3. The body's potential energy begins to convert into kinetic energy as it falls, such that the total energy remains constant i.e. the sum of the body's potential and kinetic energy remains constant.

Thus, when a body falls freely towards the earth, its total energy remains the same.

Hence, option C is correct.